The Tuileries Garden is Paris's oldest public garden, stretching between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde. It was created in 1564 by Catherine de' Medici and reshaped from 1664 by André Le Nôtre into the symmetrical French formal style it keeps today, famous for its gravel alleys, octagonal fountains, iconic green metal chairs, and sculptures by Maillol and Rodin. Managed by the Louvre, entry is free. In summer 2026 the Paris 2024 Olympic cauldron (a helium balloon) returns to the garden from 21 June to 14 September, rising into the sky each evening, alongside the Fête des Tuileries funfair with its giant Ferris wheel and an outdoor performing-arts festival, making evenings especially busy. Walking the garden needs no reservation, but the two museums inside it, the Musée de l'Orangerie and the Jeu de Paume, require separate paid tickets and advance booking is recommended.
The Grand Bassin (large octagonal pond) ringed by the garden's iconic green chairs - the classic spot to sit like a Parisian and gaze toward the Louvre and the Concorde obelisk
Aristide Maillol's bronze nudes near the Carrousel, plus works by Rodin, Giacometti and other modern sculptors lining the alleys
The Musée de l'Orangerie with Monet's oval 'Water Lilies (Nymphéas)' rooms - a must-see pairing with the garden (separate paid ticket)
The open sweep of the 'Axe historique': the sightline from the Louvre pyramid through the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel to the Concorde obelisk and the Champs-Élysées
Summer 2026 only: the Paris 2024 Olympic cauldron balloon rising at dusk and the lively return of the Tuileries funfair with its 60 m Ferris wheel
Good to know
SafetyPickpockets work the crowds near metro entrances, the fountain chairs and popular photo spots. Wear your bag in front with the zip closed, and never leave a bag on a chair or bench while you step away.
CautionCommon tricks include the 'Do you speak English?' clipboard-petition scam, the fake gold-ring find, and someone tying a 'friendship' bracelet on your wrist then demanding money. If a stranger approaches to get a signature or hand you something, avoid eye contact and keep walking.
RulesThe garden is free, but the Musée de l'Orangerie and the Jeu de Paume inside it need separate paid tickets, with advance booking recommended. Check each museum's official website for current prices and hours before you go.
SeasonFrom June to September 2026 the Olympic cauldron, the summer funfair and outdoor performances overlap, so evenings get very crowded. Closing times in this period differ from normal (e.g. 22:30 on 22 Jun-31 Jul, 21:30 in August), so verify the latest schedule.
MannersMost of the garden is gravel, and many lawns are marked 'Pelouse interdite' (keep off the grass) depending on the season. Use only the lawns that are open, bin your litter, and do not touch or climb the statues and flowerbeds.
SafetyShade is limited and midday sun reflects strongly off the gravel in summer, so bring water, a hat and sunscreen. Staff begin clearing the garden 30 minutes before closing, so allow time to leave.
Practical info
Reach it via Metro line 1 (Tuileries or Concorde), lines 7 and 14 (Pyramides), or buses 68 and 72. Hours vary by season (roughly 7:30-19:30 in winter, 7:00-21:00 in spring/autumn, 7:00-23:00 in summer) and entry is free, but 2026 summer events change the closing times, so confirm the latest hours on the Louvre's official garden page.
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